We’re home… now what?
What?! More work? That’s right. But just a little bit more...and it’s well worth it. Taking care of the following items now will help insure that your child healthy, happy, and will not run into citizenship or documentation problems in the future. Detailed information on how to carry out each of the following steps are included in this guide along with copies of all necessary forms.
Next Steps
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Go to the doctor and get a thorough medical examination completed on your child including all testing for international adoption related issues. Click here to view the American Academy of Pediatrics brochure, covering helpful information to give to your doctor and what to expect during the exam.
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Contact your Social Worker to announce your arrival and to schedule Post-Adoption visits.
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Within 45-90 days of entry into the US you will receive your child’s Certificate of Citizenship if your child entered the US on an IR-3 visa. If your child entered on an IR-4 you will receive an Alien Registration Card (green card).
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Apply for proof of citizenship for your child if your child entered on an IR-4 visa.
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Take care of your re-adoption or adoption recognition and/or legal name change (if necessary).
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Apply for a state birth certificate for your child.
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Apply for your child’s Social Security number.
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Provide your local Social Security office with proof of citizenship so that your child’s legal status will be updated to “US Citizen” in their system.
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Send copies of all adoption documents and certificates to CHI for inclusion in your adoption file. These documents should then be stored safely. Consider scanning them and saving onto a CD, making multiple copies, and storing in a safe deposit box. CHI cannot help you recover lost documents unless you mail us copies!
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